Bodh Gaya Global Dialogues
9th Edition · Bhutan · 24–29 March 2027
Bodh Gaya
Global Dialogues
Buddhist Philosophy, Heritage, and Gross National Happiness amid Bhutan’s Natural Splendour
The Vision
Where Ancient Wisdom
Meets Modern Purpose
Rooted in the theme “Buddhist Philosophy, Heritage, and Gross National Happiness,” the Dialogues invite reflection on how ancient wisdom and cultural heritage can illuminate modern challenges. In a time defined by ecological uncertainty and fragmented identities, this edition seeks to rediscover a compass for ethical governance, sustained prosperity, and collective well-being.
Cradled in the Himalayas, Bhutan offers magical views and the serenity of the surrounding mountains. Situating the Dialogues in the picturesque landscape of Bhutan elevates the experience of academic engagement and provides the space to reflect on the beauty of nature, life, and purpose.
5,000+
Delegates
8
Past Editions
5+
Countries
The Council of Sages
Distinguished Voices
Shaping the Dialogue
Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan
John S. Strong
Professor Emeritus, Bates College, USA
David Gellner
Professor Emeritus, University of Oxford, UK
Jinah Kim
Professor, Harvard University, USA
Kunzang Choden
Author of “The Circle of Karma”
Khyentse Norbu
Buddhist Scholar & Filmmaker
Shyam Saran
President of the Dialogues, Former Foreign Secretary
T. C. A. Raghavan
Distinguished Diplomat & Author
Sanjay Kumar Verma
Former Indian High Commissioner to Canada
Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan
Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan
Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan
Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan
Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan
Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan
Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan
Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan
Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan
Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan
Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan
Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan
Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan
Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan
Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan
Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan
Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan
Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan
Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan
Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan
Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan
Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan
Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan
Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan
Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan
Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan
Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan
Programme Canvas
Five Days, Two Destinations
Thimphu & Paro
Thimphu · 3 Days
The Dialogues in the Lap of Nature
Venue: Indian Culture Centre, Embassy of India, Bhutan
The Thimphu segment hosts the intellectual core of the programme through curated sessions that blend academic rigour with cultural immersion.
Plenary Sessions
Panel Discussions
Students' Interactive Sessions
Book Launches
Film Screenings
Photo Exhibitions
Cultural Performances
Opening Note
A Note of Grace
The Dialogues will open with a Sitar recital by the acclaimed maestro, Sunita Chakravarti, setting a contemplative and poetic tone for what follows.
Closing Performance
Shweta Mukti
An exquisite Odissi performance by the celebrated Kavita Dwibedi, tracing the spiritual journey of the Buddha – a timeless exploration of awakening and liberation.
Exclusive Experience
Royal Palace Engagement
Among the programme’s most distinguished experiences is an exclusive visit to Bhutan’s Royal Palace, subject to protocol and permissions. A rare encounter with the symbolic and institutional heart of a kingdom devoted to harmony, identity, and happiness.
The Living Scroll
A Narrative Journey
Through Six Days
DAY 1
Delhi → Paro → Thimphu
The Dialogues will open with a Sitar recital by the acclaimed maestro, Sunita Chakravarti, setting a contemplative and poetic tone for what follows.
DAY 2
Thimphu
The Dialogues Commence — Plenary sessions, panel discussions, and the opening Sitar recital.
DAY 3
Thimphu
The Dialogues Conclude — Final sessions, Shweta Mukti Odissi performance, and a guided city tour.
DAY 4
Thimphu → Paro
Curated city tour of Thimphu by professional guides, early dinner, and scenic transfer to Paro.
DAY 5
Paro
Curated tour of Paro amidst breathtaking Himalayan views. Concluding gathering with final reflections and connections.
DAY 6
Paro → Delhi / Departure
Departure from Paro to India and respective destinations.
Thimphu — where regal poise meets mountain tranquillity
Participant Contribution
A Shared Investment
in Shared Insight
This contribution is highly subsidised, representing a fraction of the actual cost over the course of five days.
Early Bird Offer
₹1,800
per participant · all-inclusive
Air Travel
Accommodation
Local Transport
All Meals
Curated Tours
Sustainable Fund
For enquiries, write to info@deshkalsociety.org
Impact & Reach
Tracing the Dialogues
Journey
Participation
More than 5,000 delegates across eight editions. Speakers have engaged across venues including Bodh Gaya, New Delhi, Rajgir, and Patna. Over 50,000 participants connected through online platforms.
Country Representation
Representatives from Bhutan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Vietnam, Japan, USA, Portugal, UK, and Germany have participated as delegates and speakers.
Publications
Two books published with Aakar Publications — “Buddhism and Buddhist Heritage” and “Buddhism and Bodh Gaya” — alongside the pictorial book “Imaging Bodh Gaya: Shared Histories and Global Future.”
Partners & Sponsors
Collaborating for
Collective Impact
For Presenting Partners
Highest naming rights in all promotional materials
Logo featured in all advertisements across print, radio, and digital
Full-page advertisement in the event brochure
On-site logo on all signage, maps, and program billboards
Brand video (up to 60 seconds) shown across the venue
Logo on official website and all social media activity
Official event souvenir and gift bag
Prospective Partners
India-Bhutan Foundation
Embassy of India, Bhutan
Centre for Bhutan Studies, Thimphu
Indian Council of World Affairs
India International Centre
Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts
Dr. Ambedkar International Centre
Air Druk
Previous Partners
Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India
India-Bhutan Foundation
Indian Council of World Affairs
India International Centre
Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts
Dr. Ambedkar International Centre
Nalanda University
Mahabodhi Temple Trust, Bodh Gaya